A 22-year-old man believed to be part of a group of protesters that had gathered outside the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Durban collapsed and died .

A 22-year-old man believed to be part of a group of protesters that had gathered outside the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Durban collapsed and died .

At least 200 students were protesting yesterday outside the campus on the corner of Old Port Road and Stanger Street over the university's registration process.

Police said the angry students had been throwing stones at vehicles and had prevented non-protesting students from entering the building to write a national examination.

Ten protesters were arrested at the scene for public violence.

Police spokesman Inspector Michael Read said the student who died collapsed outside the International Convention Centre, which is situated opposite the campus.

"It appears that he died from natural causes, but the body will be taken to the Gale Street mortuary for a postmortem to establish the cause of death."

Read said the student was apparently asthmatic.

Police watchdog, the Independent Complaints Directorate [ICD], was also called to the scene to investigate the matter.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

The protesters were dispersed. - Sapa